He grunts, permanent scowl back in place as he lifts a piece of plywood and places it over the hole we cut in the ceiling. Discarded construction equipment lies among the dust and debris, the smell of perspiration lingering in the air.
“Don’t move.” Tittering precariously on the top of the ladder, I push the wood into place and lock it with the quick-release mechanism we installed earlier.
“Next time I want to be on the ladder.”
He grumbles under his breath, arm muscles bulging beneath the weight of the wood.
I smirk, trailing my eyes over the pit stains bleeding through his t-shirt.
“But then I wouldn’t get to admire the view.”
“Don’t let Ken doll hear you say that.”
Ignoring the comment, I carefully glue the piece of string in place and give the signal for Vector to let go.
By some miracle, the board stays in place and a quick test confirms the latch will release as expected. It’s a makeshift trap door, identical to what you would find in an old attic, except this one leads straight to the ventilation system situated on the ground floor.
Typically, that space wouldn’t be big enough for a person to fit through, but with a house this size, Maleficent ensured everything was built to scale.
And that scale just so happens to fall in our favour.
“Clean this up and then you’re free for the weekend.”
Motioning towards the mess on the ground, I raise a brow, “There better not be a spec of dirt when I return this evening.”
“Isn’t the big party tomorrow?”
At my nod, his brows furrow, “Don’t you want me around in case things go sideways?”
“Your overtime has been costing me too much lately.” Feigning disinterest, I pull my phone out to check the time, “Go visit your family. I am sure they are missing you.”
Just as Christopher’s family is missing him.
“Are you sure? I don’t mind-
“Are you questioning my judgement or your ability to enjoy time off? Because if it is the former then I will be forced to make a trip to visit your family myself.” I give him a bitterly sweet smile, “Just to ensure the matter is crystal clear.”
Scowl lines carve themselves through his face, hiding a handsome man behind a bitter one.
“Whatever. I’ll take the time off.”
“Thought so.”
ME: Bump the rendezvous time to half an hour sooner. Business was quicker than expected.
Within seconds, typing bubbles appear.
MARLIN: A complication arose that required my attention. Our patient will be outside waiting for you shortly.
Those assholes broke into Hollow House without me.
“Son of a bitch.”
Vector looks at me, his brows raised while I angrily stab at my keyboard.
ME: I gave you direct orders to wait for my arrival.
MARLIN: It was for your best interest. We cannot afford any distractions tonight.
